If you are looking to purchase a new or used car or have your cars repaired or serviced then consider using a garage that has signed up to the OFT Motor Code. The New Car Code was the first code of practice in any industry to gain 'full approval' from the Office of Fair Trading.
It is a self-regulatory body for the motor industry, with a voluntary membership of thousands of garages all committed to maintaining high standards across new car sales, service and repair and vehicle warranties.
The Code commits car manufacturers to providing high levels of customer satisfaction as a core element of their business and sets out guidelines on the car sales process, from initial advertising through to new car warranties.
More than 6,500 garages in the UK subscribe to the Code and millions of motorists benefit from its protection and standards, in addition to the free advice line and dispute resolution service.
The launch of the Code marked a major development in consumer protection in the automotive sector. With the support of the industry, the government and Trading Standards, the Code has completed stage one of the OFT's Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.
The Code commits subscribing garages to:
- Honest and fair service.
- Open and transparent pricing.
- Completing work as agreed.
- Invoices that match quoted prices.
- Competent and conscientious staff.
- A straightforward and swift complaints procedure.